Simon Lewis, CEO of Partridge Muir & Warren, reviews the first half of 2025 and its impact on financial markets. He explains how Trump’s trade tariffs and shifting economic policies created volatility, affecting global equities, currencies, and bond yields. Despite the challenges, strong US tech performance and European fiscal stimulus provided welcome stability.
Simon also highlights concerns about the UK’s rising borrowing costs and national debt, warning of likely tax rises in the Autumn Budget. He shares practical pre-Budget planning steps—such as maximising pensions and ISA allowances—and outlines PMW’s cautious but optimistic investment outlook, with opportunities in US and European equities and the continued defensive role of short-dated bonds.
Watch the video below for Simon’s full mid-year commentary and investment insights.